Developed from the A10 infantry tank, the Valentine used the same chassis, suspension, engine and transmission as the A10. However the superstructure was more heavily armoured and the newly designed turret mounted a 2 pounder gun. The Valentine Mk II was fitted with an AEC diesel engine. The first Valentines were delivered in late 1940 and were used as cruiser tanks in armoured divisions. By 1941 they were in use with tank brigades supporting the infantry in North Africa.